Dr Mary Jane Cuyler

Dr Mary Jane Cuyler is an archaeologist and Latin scholar with extensive experience working on excavations in Greece and Italy. She is best known for her work on Ostia, ancient Rome’s harbour city, where she served as the field director for excavations at the ancient synagogue for more than a decade.

These days, Mary Jane’s research and publications are focused on “archival archaeology”—uncovering the old, unpublished records of long-ago excavations to reconstruct the phenomenal discoveries of the past. An intrepid guide, she has worked with small group tours and large university student groups alike, and loves to share her knowledge and passion for the history, archaeology, culture, and cuisine of Italy.

Mary Jane was born and raised in the lush green state of Oregon in the western USA, received her MA in Classical Archaeology at The University of Texas at Austin, and completed her PhD in Classics and Ancient History at the University of Sydney. She has also lived in Denmark and Italy.

Mary Jane currently resides in Norway. She speaks fluent Italian.